I got a quote from a plumber for installing laundry fixtures in my master bedroom closet, which involves running pipe to the main drain in the unheated garage below in a cold climate (Boston). He quoted me for running the PVC drain exposed through the garage and for running the PVC drain in the ceilings/walls through the garage.

What are the pros and cons of each option? [I assume the only pro of exposed plumbing is that it's cheaper to install and presumably involves less drywall damage.]

I think the plan I discussed in a previous thread about having a handyman remove some drywall prior to the plumber giving an estimate may have turned out to be a good idea!

I would greatly appreciate your advice. thanks!

As long as the water lines and p trap are in climate controlled conditions there is no problem having a drain in an unconditioned space… usually only in the case of a backup will drain water freeze

Also around here the pvc must be insulated with a fire proof insulation or have a chase built around it when in a garage to meet fire code

Don't cheap out....drywall repair is cheap, run the pipes inside the walls.

run them exposed and use the money you save to put a small electrric heater in the garage.

only thing i have seen in our code is anywhere the pipes pass thru a hole that has a garage on one side and living space on the other, a special fitting or a special fireproof caulking must be used.

make sure it is done according to code otherwise your homeowners insurance could be comprimised.

Packy wrote:

>run them exposed and use the money you save to put a small electrric heater in the garage.

I am extremely hesitant to disagree with Packy, whose advice is usually awesome. But a 500W heater consumes $1-$2 per day in electricity and may not raise the temperature of a garage even a couple of degrees. A 1500W heater consumes $3-$6 per day in electricity, and while it may heat a small a garage it creates a fire hazard to run it unattended.